Mount Tauhara Summit Hike
Climb the lava dome of Mount Tauhara above Taupo for panoramic views over Lake Taupo, the volcanic plateau, and on clear days, both coasts of the North Island.
- 1
Tauhara Trailhead
The trail starts at a farm gate east of town — Tauhara is privately owned but a public access easement allows hikers to reach the summit.
- 2
Farm Pasture Climb
The lower slopes pass through open sheep pasture, with the conical summit of Tauhara drawing the eye upward as Lake Taupo glitters to the west.
- 3
Native Bush Zone
Above the farmland, the trail enters native bush — a mix of kanuka, manuka, and larger podocarp trees that have regenerated since grazing ceased.
- 4
Lava Flow Ridge
The upper ridge follows the edge of an ancient lava flow, the ground rough and uneven beneath a thin layer of volcanic soil and short tussock grass.
- 5
Tauhara Summit (1088m)
The summit offers what many consider the finest lake view in New Zealand — Lake Taupo spread below in its entirety, ringed by forested ranges.
- 6
Volcanic Plateau Panorama
On exceptionally clear days the three Tongariro volcanoes are visible to the south, Mount Ruapehu's snow cap gleaming above the volcanic plateau.